We are Artists

“Art is not what you see, but what you make others see.” Edgar Degas

Why should we learn about Art and Design?

• To develop skills and creativity using a range of materials and techniques
• To create works of Art which children, parents and carers can all be proud of. The children’s work is something to be kept and treasured – a memento of your child’s time here at Blackmoor Park Juniors!
• To collaborate with professional artists and with each other
• To develop communication skills, raise confidence and promote enjoyment and engagement for all learners
• To develop imagination and personal expression
• To develop critical thinking and problem-solving skills
• To take risks and experiment
• To develop our knowledge of great artists both past and present
• To explore and celebrate other cultures
• To learn how Art and Design both reflect and shape our history, and contribute to the culture and creativity of our nation
• ....and last but not least, because it’s often messy and always fun!

How will Art and Design help children in later life?

In so many areas of life, we need to find creative solutions to problems. Art and design develops critical and creative thinking skills. It helps us to develop problem-solving skills and promote risk-taking in order to find a solution.

In our ever-changing world, Art and Design is providing more and more career paths in the creative, cultural, digital media and heritage industries. The development of skills, imagination, confidence and creativity at Primary school level gives children a solid foundation on which to build a career in any area they choose.

Art and Design also gives children increased access to learning about other cultures as well as their own. Children not only improve their skills but also their knowledge of great artists and designers past and present both from the local area and from around the world.

What can children expect in Art and Design at BPJS?

• To get messy and have lots of fun!
• To build confidence and develop their creativity
• To use a sketchbook to develop drawing and painting skills, experiment and record ideas
• To improve Art and Design techniques, including drawing, painting and sculpture with a range of materials (e.g. pencil, paint, pastel, clay, printmaking, textiles)
• To create works of Art which they can be proud of and share with their families
• To have the opportunity to visit galleries and museums to experience great works of Art for themselves
• To have opportunities to sketch and create Art outside the classroom
• To take part in Art Week every year where children have the opportunity to collaborate with local artists and produce amazing works of Art! The whole week ends with an exhibition in the Main Hall where parents and carers are invited to come in and celebrate the children’s achievements!

What can parents and carers expect?

• Your child to come home with paint under their finger-nails (but hopefully not on their uniforms!)
• To have to make space on your mantelpiece and on your walls for your child’s fantastic works of Art!
• To learn a few techniques and the odd fact about great artists and designers from your child
• To see that your child has had many opportunities to improve their skills and develop their confidence in Art and Design

How do we teach Art and Design?

Our BPJS Art and Design curriculum ensures a broad and balanced approach that builds on expectations of the National Curriculum (2014).

The children use their sketchbooks to:

• record information about artists and designers
• practise different techniques using a range of materials
• experiment, explore and record their observations and ideas

Then children apply the techniques they have learned to make and evaluate 2D or 3D Art work.

We have created our own scheme of work which is designed to ensure that all children can make good progress in practising different techniques using a range of materials as well as learning about artists and designers in history. Some of our art work is also linked to other areas of the curriculum such as History and English.

All teachers have access to training in order to continually develop their own knowledge and skills in delivering high quality teaching and learning.

Inclusion Statement

Differentiation is key to delivering an effective and inclusive curriculum.   All pupils' starting points are considered and activities and work is matched to ensure pupils reach their full potential, whilst supporting the child's learning.  Adult support, a range of activities, equipment and resources can enable children of all abilities to access learning. 

Our school will ensure that:

• all children have entitlement to a broad and balanced, enriching curriculum
• all children enjoy an active involvement in Art and Design
• all children have opportunities to experience a broad and balanced range of art activities
• all children have opportunities to learn about art from different times and cultures
• all children will be given equal access to the experience of Art and Design regardless of their gender, race, disability, medical or other needs
• teachers use a variety of approaches that are matched to the activity and the ability of the children